Key Takeaways:
-
Knowing the expiration timelines, rules, and limitations ensures you can utilize American Airlines flight and trip credits efficiently, further elevating your travel.
-
American Airlines offers various types of travel credits with different benefits, knowing the specifics allows you to maximize your credits
Setting out on a journey with American Airlines becomes a seamless experience when you unlock the world of American Airlines Flight Credit through the best American Airlines credit cards.
Discover the synergy between credit cards and AA flight credit to elevate your travel. If you’ve canceled a previous American Airlines flight, unlocking the potential of American Airlines flight credits or trip credits might be on your mind.
The process of redeeming these credits for booking American Airlines flights is straightforward and efficient.
What is a Flight Credit?
When you cancel or don’t use an American Airlines ticket, the airline issues a flight credit. To receive it, cancellation must occur before the first segment’s departure.
So basically, American Airlines Flight Credit is a monetary value or voucher that represents the amount of funds available for future travel with the airline.
Instead of providing a cash refund, the airlines offer a Flight Credit, allowing passengers to use the same value for purchasing a new ticket within a specified timeframe.
If not canceled on time, the ticket’s total value is forfeited. AA flight credits are non-transferable, can only be used by the named passenger, and can’t be refunded in cash or card.
For example, if a traveler booked a flight ticket costing $500 but had to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances, American Airlines might issue a Flight Credit for the amount paid.
The traveler would receive a Flight Credit of $500, providing flexibility and ensuring that the funds are utilized within a given period, offering a convenient alternative to traditional refunds.
Redemption is limited to the base fare, taxes, and fees, excluding extras like seats, bags, or charges related to award travel. American Airlines vacations are also excluded from flight credit use.
Passengers can use up to 1 Flight Credit per reservation when booked on aa.com and shall contact Reservations for more than 1.
What is a Trip Credit?
American Airlines provides trip credits for compensation, refunds, and remaining values post-flight credit redemption.
While non-transferable and non-refundable, trip credits allow the holder to book flights for others. So basically, American Airlines Trip Credit is a form of voucher or monetary value that represents funds allocated for future travel.
This credit is typically issued when a passenger encounters a flight disruption or cancellation, resulting in unused funds from the original booking.
If a traveler with a $600 ticket has to change travel plans and has a non-refundable ticket, American Airlines issues a Trip Credit for the original amount paid.
The traveler receives a Trip Credit of $600, which can be applied toward a future AA booking.
Redemption is limited to the base airfare, taxes, and fees for U.S.-originating domestic and international flights.
AA trip credits can’t cover extras like seats, bags, or charges tied to award travel, and they do not apply to American Airlines vacations.
Passengers can use up to 8 Trip Credits per reservation for up to 9 passengers when booked on aa.com, with the option to contact Reservations for more than 9 passengers.
The Trip Credit holder can use it to book travel for anyone, and the credit remains valid until the date listed on the Trip Credit.
Type of American Airlines Travel Credits
American Airlines provides various types of travel credits, each serving specific purposes.
Understanding these travel credits is crucial for maximizing their benefits. There are primarily four types of American Airlines travel credits.
Description | When do you get it? | Validity | Maximum Reservation | Who can use it? | How to redeem? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Flight Credit |
Issued on canceled or unused tickets |
1 year from the date of issue |
1 per reservation booked on aa.com; contact Reservations for more than 1 Flight Credit |
Same passenger named on the Flight Credit |
Book your trip on aa.com |
Trip Credit |
Remaining value of refunds, exchanges, compensations |
Until the date listed on the Trip Credit |
Up to 8 per reservation for up to 9 passengers; contact Reservations for more than 9 passengers |
Trip Credit holder to book travel for anyone |
Find your trip on aa.com to book |
Travel Voucher |
Volunteering seat, Gesture of goodwill |
1 year from the date issued |
Up to 8 per reservation |
Travel Voucher holder to book travel for anyone |
Contact Reservations for information on ticketing options |
Gift Cards |
Purchased by U.S. residents |
Never expires |
Up to 8 per reservation |
Gift Cards holder to book flights for anyone |
Online or by calling airline representatives |
-
American Airlines Flight Credits
They are issued for canceled or unused tickets and are exclusively valid for flight bookings within the U.S. or between the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
Flight Credit AA cannot be applied to extras such as seat upgrades or baggage fees.
Their standard validity is typically one year from the date of issue. It is intended for use by the original recipient, limiting it to one credit per reservation booked on aa.com.
-
American Airlines Trip Credit
This represents the remaining value from refunds, flight credit exchanges, or compensations and is exclusively valid for flight bookings. AA Trip Credit can be applied to non-award bookings but cannot be utilized for additional services.
They offer flexibility, allowing the credit holder to use it for booking travel on behalf of anyone, adding a convenient layer of versatility to the redemption process.
It allows up to eight credits per reservation for up to nine passengers booked on aa.com.
-
American Airlines Travel Vouchers
There are two kinds of vouchers, Electronic Travel Vouchers for U.S. residents and Paper Vouchers for non-U.S. residents. You can use up to 8 Travel Vouchers in a single trip.
These vouchers are valid for purchasing flight tickets and do not apply to extras like seat upgrades or baggage charges.
The standard validity is 1 year from the date of issue. American Airlines Travel Voucher holders have the flexibility to use them for booking travel on behalf of anyone.
While Electronic Travel Vouchers can be redeemed online, you’ll have to call airline representatives for Paper Vouchers.
-
American Airlines Gift Cards
These are available in both virtual and plastic formats exclusively issued to U.S. residents. A single reservation allows the use of up to 8 Gift Cards, with the cardholder having the flexibility to book flights for anyone.
They are valid solely for flight bookings and cannot be applied to extras such as seat upgrades or baggage fees. American Airlines Gift Cards can be utilized during online reservations or by contacting airline representatives.
Notably, these Gift Cards never expire, ensuring prolonged usability for recipients.
Best American Airlines Credit Cards
You can unlock a world of travel perks and elevated flying experiences with the Best American Airlines Credit Cards, apart from trip and flight credit AA.
These cards are designed to cater to diverse travel preferences, offering a spectrum of benefits, from accelerated miles earning and elite status perks to exclusive lounge access.
-
Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®
The Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® stands out as one of the best American Airlines credit cards due to its compelling reward structure and perks. Cardholders enjoy a generous welcome bonus of 50,000 miles along with a $125 American Airlines Flight Discount after you spend $20,000 or more in purchases in a year.
With a $99 annual fee (waived for the first year), it offers 2x miles on dining, gas, and American Airlines purchases, catering to frequent flyers.
Additionally, the card provides priority boarding, free checked bags, flexible redemption, in-flight savings, and no foreign transaction fees, making it a valuable choice for the world’s largest airline.
-
Citi Premier® Card
The Citi Premier® Card earns its status as one of the best by offering versatile Citi ThankYou points transfer options, including transfers to American Airlines. With a robust reward structure, it grants 3x points on flights, select hotels, gas stations, dining, and supermarkets.
Cardholders also get 10x points on hotels & rental cars booked via Citi Portal, a $100 Annual Hotel Credit, and enjoy no foreign transaction fees at just a annual_fees annual fee.
The card’s flexible redemption options, including the ability to transfer points to the American Airlines AAdvantage program, make it a top choice for travelers seeking value and variety.
-
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® is celebrated for its premium travel benefits and excellent reward structure.
Boasting access to 100+ Admirals Clubs and partner lounges, Global Entry fee credit, first free checked bag, and priority boarding, it caters to frequent flyers.
With a annual_fees annual fee, the card provides 4x miles on eligible American Airlines Purchases, 10x on eligible hotels & rental cars booked through AA, and a welcome bonus of bonus_miles_full Accelerating mileage accumulation to redeem for American Airlines flights.
The card’s high-end perks and travel-centric rewards make it a standout choice for those seeking a luxurious travel experience.
-
Citi Rewards+® Card
The Citi Rewards+® Card stands out among American Airlines credit cards with no annual fee for its unique feature of rounding up to the nearest 10 points on every purchase.
It offers flexible redemption with no cap & expiry date and versatility with point transfer options, including American Airlines for flights.
The card’s generous welcome bonus of bonus_miles_full, 2x ThankYou points on supermarkets and gas stations (for the first $6,000 per year), 5x on hotels & rental cars booked on the Citi portal, and the innovative feature of 10% points cashback while redeeming up to the first 100,000 points per year make it an attractive choice for individuals looking for a rewarding everyday spending experience.
-
CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®
The CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard® caters to business travelers, earning its status as one of the best American Airlines credit cards for entrepreneurs.
The card has a $99 annual fee (waived for the first year), no foreign transaction fees, and an intro offer of bonus_miles_full
With 25% in-flight savings, you get 2x miles on eligible American Airlines purchases and key business categories, enhancing business-related spending.
Additional benefits include an American Airlines Companion Certificate, first checked bag free, and preferred boarding, contributing to its appeal for AA flights and business owners.
-
Citi Custom Cash® Card
The Citi Custom Cash® Card earns its place as a great flight credit card for American Airlines for its unique cashback structure, where cashback is earned in the form of ThankYou Points.
You can transfer your points to American Airlines. This is an excellent no-annual fee option with a one-time bonus of bonus_miles_full
Cardholders enjoy 5% cashback on their top eligible spending category each billing cycle, including restaurants, travel, gas, and grocery stores (up to the first $500 spent), and 1% on all other purchases. It appeals to those seeking simplicity and cashback flexibility.
The card’s innovative approach to earning cash back makes it a standout choice for individuals prioritizing straightforward rewards.
How to use a flight credit on American Airlines?
Discovering how to use a flight credit on American Airlines can streamline your travel experience and save money! Whether compensation, refunds, or exchanged values, flight credits offer flexibility, where you can book through various channels, including aa.com, AA reservations, or in-person at the airport.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to make the most of your AA flight credit.
-
Locate your 13-digit Flight Credit ticket number and identify the credited amount, ensuring it’s accessible.
-
Log in to your account on American Airlines’ official website at aa.com and search and book your preferred itinerary.
-
Choose Flight Credit at payment and enter the ticket number details. Pay any balance with an accepted credit card.
-
Finalize the reservation, and your flight credit will be deducted from the total cost.
Credit card |
Uthrive rating
|
Intro offer | Rewards rate | Annual fee | Learn more |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Terms Apply |
Rating
4.4/5
|
Intro Offer bonus_miles_full |
Reward Rates Up to 3x Points |
Annual Fees annual_fees |
|
Terms Apply |
Rating
4.4/5
|
Intro Offer bonus_miles_full |
Reward Rates 1 - 2 Miles for Every $1 spent |
Annual Fees annual_fees |
|
Terms Apply |
Rating
4.4/5
|
Intro Offer bonus_miles_full |
Reward Rates 1x - 5x Points |
Annual Fees annual_fees |
|
Terms Apply |
Rating
4.4/5
|
Intro Offer bonus_miles_full |
Reward Rates 1 - 2 Miles for Every $1 spent |
Annual Fees annual_fees |
|
Terms Apply |
Rating
4.5/5
|
Intro Offer bonus_miles_full |
Reward Rates Up to 5% Cash back |
Annual Fees annual_fees |
How to use a trip credit on American Airlines?
Unlock the potential of your American Airlines trip credit for seamless travel planning. Understanding how to use a trip credit ensures you maximize its benefits. Your trip credit applies to flights operated or marketed by American Airlines.
To use it on Oneworld Alliance Airlines or other partners, contact AA Reservations. Follow these steps to apply your trip credit when booking your next journey.
-
Confirm the availability and details of your trip credit.
-
Log in to your account on aa.com, American Airlines’ official website, and choose your desired flight and enter trip details.
-
During payment, select Trip Credit and add your 13-digit Trip Credit number. If needed, pay the remaining balance with a credit card.
-
Finalize the reservation, and your trip credit will be applied to the total cost.
Final Takeaway
American Airlines travel credits, often referred to as the “travel bank,” are conveniently stored online in your account. To utilize these credits within the specified timeframe, an active account with American Airlines is a prerequisite.
You must know the expiration timelines, rules, and limitations to maximize the value of your flight or trip credits without the risk of expiration.
Essentially, these travel credits represent virtual funds derived from unused tickets with the airline. Various reasons, be they personal or unforeseen circumstances, might lead to flight cancellations, or the airline itself may cancel flights for various reasons.
These credits can be seamlessly utilized for future flight purchases, offering a flexible and valuable alternative to traditional refunds.
FAQs
Does American Airlines give flight credit?
Yes, American Airlines provides flight credit, often referred to as travel credits, which can be used for future bookings.
It offers flexibility in managing travel funds for canceled or changed flights.
How many credits can you use on American Airlines?
The number of credits one can use on American Airlines varies by type. For Trip Credits, up to 8 can be used per reservation on aa.com, with a recommendation to contact AA Reservations for more than 9 passengers.
Flight Credits are limited to 1 per reservation on aa.com, with reservation assistance for multiple credits. Travel Vouchers offer flexibility, allowing using up to 8 per reservation.
How long do American airline flight credits last?
American Airlines flight credits typically last for one year from the date of issuance. It’s crucial to redeem them within this timeframe to avoid expiration and maximize their value.
How many redeemables per trip is allowed in Trip Credit and Flight Credit?
Trip Credit allows up to 8 per reservation for up to 9 passengers. Flight Credit permits 1 per reservation.
How many redeemables per trip is allowed in Gift Card and Travel Voucher?
For Gift Cards and Travel Voucher, passengers are allowed to redeem up to 8 per reservation.
What is the expiry date of American Airlines Trip Credit?
Generally, the expiry date of the AA Trip credit is the date listed on the Trip Credit.
Who can use American Airlines Gift Cards?
American Airlines Gift Cards can be used by anyone to purchase flights or other travel-related services from the airlines.
They serve as a versatile option for gifting or personal use within the airline’s offerings.
Is flight credit a refund?
Flight credit is not a refund in the traditional sense. Instead of receiving cash back, American Airlines provides travel credits, allowing customers to use the value towards future flights within a specified period.